The latest Sunderland transfer round-up from Last Word on Football looks at the keeper who signed and the keeper who left today. Plus, the news that on-loan defender Lutsharel Geertruida could have agreed a deal to sign for Liverpool, thus ending his time on Wearside prematurely. However, tonight, more news has emerged.
Sunderland Transfer Roundup: Keeper Signs, Keeper Leaves, Plus Latest Lutsharel Geertruida News
Lutsharel Geertruida Latest
Earlier today, the BBC and the Sunderland Echo reported that Lutsharel Geertruida’s season-long loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig looked set to be cut short before the transfer deadline. The reports suggested that the current Premier League champions, Liverpool, were chasing his signature.
The versatile defender has a no-recall clause in his loan deal, meaning that Sunderland would have to agree to any deal that RB Leipzig and Liverpool reached. The Black Cats would also want to secure a replacement first and also recoup some of the £2 million loan fee they paid to Leipzig for the loan.
However, tonight football correspondent David Ornstein has reported that the deal to take Geertruida is now off. It is believed that the deal would have been too complicated to complete before tomorrow’s 7 pm deadline.
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Melker Ellborg Signs
The Black Cats today completed the signing of highly-rated goalkeeper, Melker Ellborg, from Malmö FF. The 22-year-old has signed a long-term deal for a fee believed to be around £3 million; however, Sunderland’s official website claims it is an undisclosed fee.
Ellborg kept five clean sheets in seven league games last year and has gained further experience by playing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
Following the completion of his move, Ellborg said: It feels amazing to have signed for this Club. The past few days have been enjoyable, from learning about the interest, getting to know the Club and the people, and finalising the move. The Club has had an excellent season so far, and I’m incredibly happy to be part of this journey. I’m aware of Sunderland’s history, and it means a lot to be part of something with such a rich tradition. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone at the Stadium of Light on Monday and hopefully playing in front of the fans soon.”
Anthony Patterson Leaves on Loan
Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who helped the club gain promotion from League One to the Premier League via two playoff finals, has joined his former boss Alex Neil at Millwall on loan until the end of the season.
Patterson played 169 games for the Black Cats but has seen his playing time limited to just one League Cup game this season due to the form of summer signing Robin Roefs.
Patterson joins former Sunderland winger Tommy Watson, who scored the dramatic late winner in the playoff final last season, in joining Millwall.